Focus Mode is a new combat mechanic in Monster Hunter Wilds that makes targeting weak points and guarding more precise than ever. If you have ever struggled to line up your attacks, block incoming hits, or land big damage at the right moment, this feature gives you more control over your movements.
For new players, Focus Mode makes it easier to get into the game and experiment with different weapons. In past titles, some weapons felt frustratingly slow and difficult to aim in certain situations, but this feature helps fix that. With that in mind, here is how it works, and why it could change the way you play Monster Hunter forever.
What Is Focus Mode?
Focus Mode locks your attacks and guards to the direction of your camera, helping you aim precisely at weak points and monster wounds. When activated, it also highlights wounded areas in red, which makes it much easier to target weak spots for extra damage.
How to Activate Focus Mode
Depending on your platform, you can enter Focus Mode by holding:
- PS5 – L2
- Xbox – LT (Left Trigger)
- PC – Right-Click
You can also toggle Focus Mode on and off in the settings, so it stays active without needing to hold a button. This is especially useful for weapons that require constant aiming, like Bow, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun, and Insect Glaive.
Once activated, a crosshair appears, letting you line up your shots or blocks with precision.
What Are Focus Strikes?
Focus Strikes are special attacks that deal huge damage when aimed at wounds or weak points. They are performed by pressing:
- PS5: R1 while holding L2
- Xbox: RB while holding Left Trigger
- PC: R while holding Right-Click
What’s So Great About Focus Strikes?
If you have played past Monster Hunter games, you might be wondering, ‘What makes Focus Strikes so special?’ The answer is simple—this new mechanic packs a punch because it:
- Deals Heavy Damage – Hitting a wound with a Focus Strike can deal massive damage.
- Can Stagger Monsters – A well-placed Focus Strike might stun the target, opening it up for follow-up attacks.
- Extra Materials – Destroying wounds rewards you with crafting materials!
Every weapon has its own version of a Focus Strike, so it is worth experimenting to see how yours works.
Weak Points vs. Wounds – What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between weak points and wounds is quite important if you want to use Focus Mode to the best of your abilities:
- Weak Points – These are a monster’s natural vulnerable areas, like its head or tail, where attacks deal more damage.
- Wounds – Created by repeatedly hitting the same weak point. Wounds glow red in Focus Mode and take even more damage when struck.
In most cases, the best strategy is to target weak points early to create wounds, then use Focus Strikes for big damage and extra loot.
Why Use Focus Mode
- For Beginners – Helps learn monster patterns, target weak points, and improve blocking.
- For Veterans – Makes precision attacks easier, letting you exploit weaknesses faster.
- For Weapon Specialists – Works great for ranged weapons, lances, or any playstyle that relies on accuracy.
By now, it is pretty clear that this is not just a minor adjustment; it’s a game-changing addition to Monster Hunter Wilds’ combat. With that in mind, here are some tips for using Focus Mode:
- Use Focus Mode during monster recovery animations to line up your next big attack.
- Focus on weak points early to create wounds for bigger damage opportunities.
- Experiment with toggle vs. hold mode to see which setting feels best for your weapon.
- Use Focus Strikes strategically to stun monsters at the right moment in battle.
- Use Focus Strikes on wounds to break them faster.
In Short:
Focus Mode is definitely going to be one of the most useful mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you want to hit harder, defend better, or just make aiming easier, this new feature is going to change the way you hunt.
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